Grubb and Sherrill already had started serving their suspensions. Mike Wheeler, the team engineer, has replaced Grubb while former car chief Chris Gillin will replace Sherrill. Grubb and Sherrill can return for the first race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

The team was penalized for having unsealed block-off plates that cut off or replace ductwork that is not used at certain tracks. NASCAR officials apparently had made it a point of emphasis in inspection prior to the race to make sure that the driver’s compartment was sealed at the firewall.

The rule is in place for both safety and aerodynamic concerns. Fire and hot fluids can get into the driver’s compartment if it is not sealed, and air flowing underneath the car can improve downforce.

“I don't think that this is the first time that NASCAR has ever seen this issue with cars in the garage as a whole,” Hamlin said last week at Pocono Raceway. “It hit us pretty hard for sure.”